Texas is ranked No. 1 in the nation entering Red River, which one would consider familiar territory for a historic program. However, it will be the first time since 2008 that the Longhorns have been ranked No. 1 and the first time since 1984 that Texas will be the top-ranked team playing in the Cotton Bowl in mid-October. That game in 1984 ended in a draw, a result impossible for today’s affair.

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The Longhorns are the favorites by 14.5 points, the largest margin for Texas in Red River since 2005. We all know what happened that year. Being favored in this rivalry didn’t mean much in recent history, as that role mostly fell to Oklahoma. The Sooners have failed to cover or been completely upset several times in the last decade. Nobody needs to be reminded of 2015 Charlie Strong Team that was upset 1-4 Baker MayfieldThis is Oklahoma.

For Texas to avoid a catastrophic upset loss to a struggling Oklahoma team, the Horns will need to win some of these key games.

The first key is Texas’ running game against Oklahoma’s strong front seven. The running game, which needs improvement, is something Texas fans have been clamoring for since the beginning of the season. Perhaps Texas fans have been spoiled with players like Bijan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks, but no one has really established themselves as a true No. 1 to follow them, especially since CJ Baxter’s untimely injury.

Texas’ rushing attack is undoubtedly the main question mark on offense, ranking 37th nationally with 191.4 yards per game. When the weak point is still the top 40 nationally, it becomes clear that this is a different era of Texas football. In contrast, Oklahoma pays attention to its D-line and linebacker play, giving up just 105.6 yards per game, which ranks 27th nationally. A lot of that is thanks to the polarizing linebacker Danny Stutsmanwho had a lot to say after last year’s last-second win over Texas.

Texas is an elite pass-blocking team, but the key will be getting to the second level and letting Stutsman know what he thinks of the jerseys he made after last year’s game.

The next key matchup will be Quinn Ewers‘ returns as he takes on Oklahoma’s secondary. Rust is a problem for Ewers after the injury. He has to be efficient, read quickly and, above all, protect the ball. Last year’s sales were a bit of an anomaly. Ewers needs to make the game easy to read and enjoyable for dynamic players Isaiah Bond And Ryan Wingo do the rest.

Ewers has handled the process of returning from injury exceptionally well. Plus, you rarely see him forcing you. So after a few drives, expect him to settle in and look similar to how he did in the Michigan game. Like Michigan, the question is whether Oklahoma can stop this Longhorns passing attack. While Oklahoma has stars like Billy Bowman Jr. On the back end, their corners are weak and the stats show it. The Sooners are No. 75 in pass defense against the likes of Auburn, Temple and Houston. It’s safe to say that Ewers should like this match.

Finally, let’s talk about Oklahoma’s strength. OU already has 18 sacks this year, which ranks in the top 10 in the country. The former defensive line provided most of the dominance. R Mason Thomas already leads the Sooners with 5.5 sacks, Gracen Halton has 2.5 itself. Not to mention guys like that Track Ford who only had one sack so far this season, but still provides a dangerous pass rush over the edge.

Oklahoma’s pass rush is legitimate, SEC numbers are legitimate, but fortunately for Texas, the Longhorns have an offensive line on the Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll. How far has Texas come in this space thanks to? Kyle Flood.

It is observed how Star LT Kelvin Banks Jr.a projected first-round draft pick, goes up against this potent pass rush. He has only allowed one pressure this season, including the game against Michigan.

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With Texas as a 14.5-point favorite, the Horns don’t necessarily need to win all key games convincingly, but rather avoid being significantly outplayed in a key statistical category.

THere’s one reason why the line is the way it is. Oklahoma would have to drastically change its profile to pull off this upset, and that’s hard to imagine if it weren’t for some insane Red River sorcery.